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Abstract This study presents the first preliminary phytochemical screening and investigation of the lipoidal matter of Latania verschaffeltii Lem. leaves, belonging to the Arecaceae family. Gas chromatography coupled with mass spectroscopy (GC/MS) was used to analyze and identify compounds of saponifiable and unsaponifiable content. The preliminary phytochemical screening of total methanolic extract of Latania verschaffeltii Lem. leaves revealed the presence of unsaturated sterols and/or triterpenes, carbohydrates and/or glycosides, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, and phenolic acids in the leaves. However, cardenolides, cyanogenic compounds, alkaloids, and iridoids were not detected. The results of the gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis indicated that the percentage of saturated fatty acids (83.82%) is higher than that of unsaturated fatty acids (9.42%). The predominant methyl ester of a saturated fatty acid detected in the sample was hexadecanoic acid methyl ester, accounting for 41.68% of the total. The composition of the unsaponifiable matter consisted of hydrocarbons (5.66%), fatty alcohols (0.96%), terpenes (85.97%), and sterols (2.18%). The major terpenes observed were phytol (43.62%) and squalene (39.27%).

Abstract Background Severe asthma exacerbation can be a frightening experience to the patient and physician. Despite continuous efforts to frame management guidelines and advances in treatment, severe exacerbations still occur. In order to prevent and judicious management of asthma exacerbations, we should predict them first. This study aims to evaluate distinct clinical trajectories and management outcome of patients with severe asthma exacerbations and also evaluate predictors for poor outcome. Methods Patients suffering from acute asthma exacerbation and presented to emergency room (forty patients) were grouped into 2 groups (groups A and B) according to severity of exacerbation. Assessment included full clinical history, laboratory investigations (including eosinophil cell count and serum IgE level), Beck’s anxiety and depression inventory scales, assessment of asthma medication adherence and control level, and peak expiratory flow measurement (at presentation, 1 and 6 h after). Results Fifty-five percent of patients suffered from severe and life-threatening asthma exacerbations, 63.6% of them were females. The most important predictors for severe exacerbations were SO2 < 90% at baseline (OR = 4.56; 95% CI = 3.45–7.56; P < 0.001), PEFR after 1 h (OR= 3.34; 95%CI = 1.90–4.90; P < 0.001), and uncontrolled asthma (OR= 3.33; 95%CI = 2.50–5.05; P < 0.001). Predictors for hospitalization were old age (OR = 1.11; 95%CI = 1.09–2.11; P < 0.001), uncontrolled asthma (OR = 2.34; 95%CI = 2.01–4.40; P < 0.001), PEFR after 1 h (OR= 4.44; 95%CI= 3.24–7.68; P < 0.001), and SO2

Data background: Because the traditional open-TLIF approach has several drawbacks, minimally invasive surgery (MIS) approaches for TLIF (MISTLIF) have been developed to speed up recovery after surgery and minimize pressure on the para-spinal muscles, necessitating a cost-utility analysis for comparison in healthcare reforms. Objectives and aim of the work: This study aimed to compare the radiological and clinical parameters between mini-open TLIF and minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS-TLIF) surgery in patients with single-level lumbar degenerative spondylolisthesis. Hypothesis: This study hypothesizes that both minimally invasive and mini-open methods using sublaminar trimming laminoplasty (SLTL) (while preserving midline structures) and interbody cages have comparable mid- and long-term clinical and radiological outcomes. Methods: Retrospective analyses were performed on 120 patients who underwent single-level TLIF procedures with a minimum of two years of follow-up utilizing either the mini-open (n = 60) or MIS (n = 60) technique. Records of the operation's time frame, intraoperative fluoroscopy, blood loss, postoperative drainage volume, duration of bed rest, and complications were recorded. The Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and visual analog scale (VAS) scores for both groups were utilized to assess improvements in clinical scores, and t tests were employed to statistically compare the outcomes. For comparison, radiological parameters, including lumbar lordosis, pelvic incidence (PI), and localized lordosis at the index level, were measured preoperatively, postoperatively, and at the final follow-up. To assess postoperative interbody fusion, the Bridwell grading system was used. Results: In the Mini-open TLIF group, the average follow-up time was 24.91 ± 5.7 months, while in the MIS-TLIF group, the average follow-up time was 25.15 ± 4.2 months. In the MIS-TLIF group, the mean operation and radiological time were longer. However, compared to the Mini-open TLIF group, the MISTLIF group experienced less blood loss and a shorter hospital stay. The MIS-TLIF group outperformed the Open-TLIF group in terms of the VAS score for back pain and the ODI at less than 6 months following surgery, and the differences were statistically significant. However, at the final follow-up, there were no statistically significant differences in the VAS score for the back between the two groups, but the ODI score was significantly greater in the MIS-TLIF group. Both groups' lumbar lordosis and focal lordosis significantly improved at the index level, with the Mini-open-TLIF group showing more focal lordosis. The interbody fusion rate did not significantly differ between the two groups. Conclusion: MIS-TLIF and mini-open-TLIF can be surgically effective in treating single-level degenerative lumbar spine spondylolisthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fruit- and vegetable-harvesting robots are a great addition to Agriculture 4.0 since they are gradually replacing human labor in challenging activities. In order to achieve the harvesting process accurately and efficiently, the picking robot's end-effector should be the first part to come into close contact with the crops. The design and performance requirements of the end-effectors are affected by the fruit and vegetable variety as well as the complexity of unstructured surroundings. This paper summarizes the latest research status of end-effectors for fruit- and vegetable-picking robots. It analyzes the characteristics and functions of end-effectors according to their structural principles and usage, which are classified into clamp, air suction, suction holding, and envelope types. The development and application of advanced technologies, such as the structural design of end-effectors, additional sensors, new materials, and artificial intelligence, were discussed. The typical applications of end-effectors for the picking of different kinds of fruit and vegetables were described, and the advantages, disadvantages, and performance indexes of different end-effectors were given and comparatively analyzed. Finally, challenges and potential future trends of end-effectors for picking robots were reported. This work can be considered a valuable guide to the latest end-effector technology for the design and selection of suitable end-effectors for harvesting different categories of fruit and vegetable crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, in order to save land resources and ensure biosecurity, multi-storey buildings for pig rearing are replacing traditional flat-floor methods in pig farms domestically and internationally. However, the precision, stability, and adaptability of pig feed transportation in multi-storey buildings have brought certain challenges to the development of large-scale pig raising. The uniqueness of this paper lies in the comprehensive review of recent research advances in various transportation machinery and feeding systems from the perspective of both pig feed transportation and feeding systems compared to other papers that singularly present pigs' feed transportation machinery or feeding systems. In addition, this paper provides an outlook on the potential for coupling power sources for pig feed transportation and pig transportation, providing insights for future research and development. First, the paper comprehensively reviews feed transportation machinery in multi-storey pig rearing, highlighting their advantages and challenges. Then, it explores the commonly used feeding systems in large-scale pig rearing and their limitations. Finally, the paper summarizes the current issues in pig feed transportation in multi-storey buildings and examines future development trends. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Obstetrical emergencies are stressful events that need to be identified and managed by the health care providers to ensure the best possible clinical outcomes. Therefore, there is a critical need to improve nurses' performance regarding obstetrical emergencies during pregnancy. Aim: The current study aimed to determine the effect of educational program on nurses' performance regarding obstetrical emergencies during pregnancy. Subjects and Method: A quasi-experimental research design was used. Three hospitals were used for this study: Tanta University (Main Hospital), El-Menshawy, and EL-Mabara Hospital. The study was conducted at the obstetrics departments' antenatal units. This study included all available nurses (50 nurses) at the previously mentioned settings. Study tools: Tool one: Nurses' Knowledge regarding Obstetrical Emergencies during Pregnancy and Tool two: Nurses' Practices Observational Checklist. Results: The results revealed a highly statistically significant improvement of nurses' performance regarding obstetrical emergencies during pregnancy immediately and three months' following the educational program implementation (p=0.000). Conclusion: The educational program regarding obstetrical emergencies during pregnancy was effective to enhance nurses' performance. Recommendations: The study suggested creating ongoing training courses to improve and freshen nurses' abilities to handle obstetrical emergencies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Date fruit drying is a process that consumes a significant amount of energy due to the long duration required for drying. To better understand how moisture flows through the fruit during drying and to speed up this process, drying studies must be conducted in conjunction with mathematical modeling, energy analysis, and environmental economic analysis. In this study, twelve thin-layer mathematical models were designed utilizing experimental data for three different date fruit varieties (Sakkoti, Malkabii, and Gondaila) and two solar drying systems (automated solar dryer and open-air dryer). These models were then validated using statistical analysis. The drying period for the date fruit varieties varied between 9 and 10 days for the automated solar dryer and 14 to 15 days for open-air drying. The moisture diffusivity coefficient values, determined using Fick's second law of diffusion model, ranged from 7.14 × 10−12 m2/s to 2.17 × 10−11 m2/s. Among the twelve thin-layer mathematical models, we chose the best thin drying model based on a higher R2 and lower χ2 and RMSE. The Two-term and Modified Page III models delivered the best moisture ratio projections for date fruit dried in an open-air dryer. For date fruit dried in an automated solar dryer, the Two-term Exponential, Newton (Lewis), Approximation diffusion or Diffusion Method, and Two-term Exponential modeling provided the best moisture ratio projections. The energy and environmental study found that the particular amount of energy used varied from 17.936 to 22.746 kWh/kg, the energy payback time was 7.54 to 7.71 years, and the net CO2 mitigation throughout the lifespan ranged from 8.55 to 8.80 tons. Furthermore, economic research showed that the automated solar dryer's payback period would be 2.476 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The interaction between the wind farm and the series‐compensated transmission line may lead to the sub‐synchronous oscillation (SSO) phenomenon which affects the system stability and equipment safety. Among the presented methods for damping the SSO phenomenon, the supplementary damping controller (SDC) is the most prevalent method because of its low cost, effectiveness, and simplicity. In all previous studies, one input control signal is fed to the SDC for mitigating the SSO. Here, two input control signals (active power and reactive power deviation) are applied to the SDC for enhancing the system stability and damping the SSO quickly. The ability of the proposed method for damping the SSO has not been investigated before. The proposed SDC is embedded into the q‐axis of the rotor‐side converter (RSC) inner current loop. The modified IEEE first benchmark model (FBM) is used to analyze the performance of the proposed method under different compensation levels, variable wind speeds, and sub‐synchronous control interaction (SSCI). Small‐signal stability using the eigenvalue approach is carried out, where the impact of the proposed method on sub‐synchronous mode, and super‐synchronous mode is investigated. The results successfully prove the superiority of the proposed method for damping the SSO under various operating conditions compared to some previous methods, where the least overshoot and faster convergence have been achieved by the proposed method in all studied cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Series‐compensated transmission lines can lead to a sub‐synchronous resonance (SSR) phenomenon at high compensation levels, where the system lacks stability. Gate‐controlled series capacitor (GCSC) is widely used to damp the SSR. Here, an effective and new methodology for damping the SSR is presented. The proposed method aims to alleviate the SSR phenomenon based on estimating both the frequency and the maximum value of the voltage magnitude signal rather than using the Proportional Integral controller. The appropriate turn‐off angle corresponding to the maximum value of the voltage magnitude signal is applied to the GCSC on the condition that the estimated frequency of the voltage magnitude signal is within the range of the SSR frequency. If the estimated frequency of the voltage magnitude signal is out of the range of the SSR frequency, the steady‐state turn‐off angle (1130) is applied to the GCSC. The capability of the proposed method for damping the SSR under various compensation levels, various wind speeds, and sub‐synchronous control interaction (SSCI) is validated by time‐domain simulation and eigenvalue analysis. Compared to the presented latest method for SSR damping using GCSC, all the obtained results demonstrate that the oscillations converge faster when the proposed method is activated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a bald eagle optimizer (BEO) is used to get optimal parameters of the fractional-order proportional-integral-derivative (FOPID) controller for load frequency control (LFC). SinceBEOtakes only a very short time in finding the optimal solution, it is selected for designing the FOPID controller that improves the system stability and maintains the frequency within a satisfactory range at different loads. Simulations and demonstrations are carried out using MATLAB-R2020b. The performance of the BEOFOPID controller is evaluated using a two-zone interlinked power system at different loads and under uncertainty of wind and solar energies. The robustness of the BEO-FOPID controller is examined by testing its performance under varying system time constants. The results obtained by the BEOFOPID controller are compared with those obtained by BEO-PID and PID controllers based on recent metaheuristics optimization algorithms, namely the sine-cosine approach, Jaya approach, grey wolf optimizer, genetic algorithm, bacteria foraging optimizer, and equilibrium optimization algorithm. The results confirm that the BEO-FOPID controller obtains the finest result, with the lowest frequency deviation. The results also confirm that the BEOFOPID controller is stable and robust at different loads, under varying system time constants, and under uncertainty of wind and solar energies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]